McNabb, case study-coaching or talent at qb?

[warriorzpath]

Originally Posted by NC_Skins

I also want to mention exactly why McNabb has diminished. His whole career, his ability to run has kept him afloat at the top of the QB list in the NFC. As the years passed and injuries mounted, his ability to run has all but vanished which is why he's struggling as a QB now. He never had the skills to be a top flight QB to begin with (accuracy, pocket presence, intelligence, quick release) that the others have. (Manning, Rivers, Brady, Brees) It's not McNabb's age (34) that is making his decline show. Look no further than the 39-40 year old Brett Farve almost pulling out a MVP to debunk that notion. If your whole game relied on your wheels, expect a lower shelf life for those types of QBs. This is why I'm so dead set against the "run first" kind of QBs that come into the league. That might get you far in the NCAA and win you some games in the NFL, but to really progress and prolong your career, you need to win games from the pocket with the abilities I mention prior.

I agree that McNabb's running ability made him successful. But like running backs, the more running he did the more it took a toll on his body which made him less effective as a runner. It also made him less effective as a passer because he no longer was able to extend passing plays like he was when he was younger. There seems to be a correlation with increasing age and decreasing skills, but it's only because USUALLY (older) age means more mileage and wear and tear.